I was not prepared for my mom’s diagnosis. I was not prepared for her to die. The 5 1/2 months of her illness felt unreal and its only now…4 1/2 years later… that I can see how I did not and could not internalize that she was
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My mother Kay died while in a long term care home. I am grateful that we had a chance to understand each other better and share some laughs in the years before her death. She gave me the wonderful gift of expressing her contentment with life, love
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Some may say my job is “depressing”, caring for those at the end of life in their home. I say it is uplifting! I get so much positive energy, gratitude and appreciation for helping where I can. I no longer take anything for granted. I count my
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I remember her gasping for air, a little voice in my head to check her blood O2, me rushing to notify the family in the middle of the night, the slowing of gasping, her final breaths as we all stood around her bed… Art Gallery of Burlington
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Being with the dying is an absolute privilege and honour. I remember my first client death very well. I sat at the bedside of an elderly gentleman, while he was actively dying in hospital. His partner has stepped out to make funeral arrangements. The room was quiet.
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After 10 years working to help people in their dying process, I think there is no right was or wrong way to die. All we really have is the love and memories we share. Love is bigger than regret, bigger than fear. Not every sorrow is comforted,
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It was a joy to watch John live for the 4 years he had after diagnosis. Helping him organize his travels, the care he needed to live at home was important to all his friends. He talked openly about how he found a way to live with
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My dad is palliative and lives so far from me. My sister is his caregiver. She is awesome! Sometime when she tells me things about my dad … little things I almost get jealous because I am missing this opportunity and in my heart I always ask…
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My dear Aunt Shai was an attentive, caring, empahtetic physician who gave all of herself to help others. Losing her second son Lawson at the age of two had made her even more special in my and other eyes. While I watched my Aunt pass with colon
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I have lost 4 family members in less than 10 years – 2 sisters with breast to bone – both in the same month/yr. December is a hard month. 3 deaths not present for due to time & distance and one death – my Dad’s with no pain
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